Police search turns up nothing

July 22, 2014

The excavation scene at Searle Place last week

David Hennessy

Police have found nothing in their forensic search of a garden in the Finsbury Park area, a house formerly occupied by an Irish family. Police were searching for human remains they believed had been there for 30 years. The investigation does continue with other avenues.

Police began the forensic search on Monday July 14. Officers received a tip-off last year that is thought to have possibly come from beyond the grave and led them to make enquiries in Ireland and in the UK.

Police have stressed that the claims do not relate to the current occupiers of the property in Searle Place in Evershot Road.

Islington Borough Commander Gerry Campbell said on Friday July 18: “After three days of meticulous excavation by specialist teams, supported by ground penetrating radar, this part of the investigation has been concluded with no human remains being found. We are in the process of restoring the effected parts of the occupiers’ property to their original conditions. I would like to thank the occupiers for their patience, understanding and co-operation in this matter. In addition I hope the residents of Searle Place were not inconvenienced too much during this essential stage of the investigation. The end of the forensic excavation in Searle Place concludes the search for human remains and this aspect of the investigation.”

The tents set up for last week’s forensic search where nothing was found

The house was occupied by the Gorry family from 1983 to 2006. Sean was originally from Offaly while Helen came from Galway. They had two daughters, Susan and Emma. Sean is believed to have died last year.

The Islington Gazette report that a neighbour said she understood he had written a letter to be sent to the new occupiers in the event of his death. Police said that had not formed the basis of the case.

Police are now looking at other aspects of the allegations made in the information they received.